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TAMPA -- On Tuesday afternoon, USF defensive coordinator Mark Snyder said senior defensive back Mistral Raymond fit perfectly into his system, citing his versatility to move around the secondary.

But that wasn't the only accolades Raymond, a former walk-on who earned a scholarship this year, received.

After the Bulls' evening practice, Raymond was solidified as one of USF's best leaders, being named a team captain along with two others -- senior center Sampson Genus and senior outside linebacker Jacquian Williams.

"That's a great honor, to be selected by my peers as a captain with everything we're trying to get done here," said Raymond, who is also expected to start at cornerback Saturday in the opener against Stony Brook. "I'm going to do everything in my power to hold myself accountable for everything going on around here."

Two years ago, Raymond played in just four games on special teams, but when starting safety Jerrell Young went down with a broken arm in last year's season opener against Wofford, Raymond beat out several scholarship players to land the job.

Raymond said it didn't take long to step into a leadership role, and he learned from previous captains on how to carry himself.

"I was just sitting back and waiting for my moment, and I got the opportunity a little earlier than I even expected, so I wasn't overly excited," he said. "I didn't put too much pressure on myself. I just played my game."

Giddins injured: Redshirt freshman defensive end Ryne Giddins, an Armwood High grad, did not practice Tuesday because of a foot injury. Giddins, listed as No. 2 on the Bulls' depth chart, is day-to-day but is not ruled out for Saturday's game.

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